Crunchy, buttery, and packed with umami, this quick topping transforms peak produce into something unforgettable—with just a handful of pantry staples.
Summer produce hardly needs embellishment. When ingredients are at their peak, the goal is simple: don’t get in the way. Over-saucing, overcooking, or over-seasoning can feel like a disservice to what’s already perfect. And in the warmer months, simplicity reigns—we all crave low-effort meals that still feel fresh, joyful, and a little bit special.
That’s where this 15-minute trick comes in.
A savoury mix of toasted breadcrumbs, roasted almonds, Parmigiano, and your favourite seasoning blend adds the perfect finish to everything from blistered green beans to juicy tomatoes. It’s a flavour-forward topping that brings crunch, depth, and just enough intrigue—without stealing the show. It's the kind of thing that makes people ask, "What did you put on this?"
Best of all? It’s endlessly adaptable. Swap the almonds for pistachios or pepitas, use whatever hard cheese is in the fridge, and let your spice drawer steer the seasoning. Think of this less as a recipe and more as a framework—one you can tweak to match your meal, your mood, or whatever you’ve got on hand.
The Framework: How It Works
Crunch (Bread + Nuts/Seeds):
Breadcrumbs provide the base, while nuts or seeds layer in richness and texture. The type of bread you use matters: sourdough brings savoury depth; a seeded loaf adds earthiness; brioche leans slightly sweet, etc. Almonds are classic, but hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds can each add their own personality.
Umami (Hard Cheese):
Parmigiano-Reggiano is our go-to for its deep, nutty saltiness—but aged cheddar, Manchego, asiago, or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) work just as well.
Seasoning (Your Signature):
This is where the magic happens. Tomatoes shine with Italian Herb, Garlic & Veg blend; cauliflower loves layered spice blends like The Eleven Spice; and bolder vegetables like broccoli pair beautifully with something punchy like Cumin Coriander Charm. Trust your instincts—and your spice drawer.
Almond-Parmesan Savoury Crumble
Flavour Profile: Crunchy, buttery, nutty, savoury, and herby—an irresistible topping that adds contrast and complexity to any dish.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup chopped or crushed almonds
- 80 g (about 3/5 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 28 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of The Spice Drawer’s Italian Salad Dressing Blend (or seasoning of choice)
Instructions:
-
Toast the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds until golden and fragrant, 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. -
Toast the Breadcrumbs:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low to medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and a generous pinch of salt. Stir often, toasting until the crumbs are golden brown and crisp, 8–10 minutes. -
Combine:
Add toasted almonds back to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavours to mingle. -
Finish:
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and seasoning. Taste and adjust salt as needed. -
Serve:
Sprinkle a little—or a lot (we’re partial to a lot)—over roasted vegetables, creamy pastas, soups, or casseroles—anywhere a savoury, crunchy lift is welcome.
Storage Tip:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To revive the crunch, warm in a dry pan before serving.
